The Art of Writing Clear System Requirements

As a product manager, one of your key jobs is to make sure that the development team knows exactly what to do when building a product.

Here are 10 simple tips to help you write system requirements that are easy for the development team to understand:

1. Clearly explain the problem

Start by clearly stating the problem that the product is going to solve. This helps the development team understand the context and goals of the project.

2. Identify who the important people are

Identify the key people who will be using the product and what they need from it. This helps you understand the requirements from different perspectives.

3. State the overall goals

Outline the main goals and objectives of the product. This helps the development team know what they are working towards and how to prioritize requirements.

4. List what the product needs to do and how it needs to perform

Write down the functional and non-functional requirements of the product. This helps the development team know what the product needs to do and how it needs to work.

5. Prioritize the requirements

Decide which requirements are the most important and should be done first. This helps the development team focus on the most important tasks.

6. Define acceptance criteria

Write down the definition of done for each requirement. This helps the development team and QA know when they have finished a task.

7. Mention any limitations

If there are any limitations or constraints that the development team should be aware of, mention them in the requirements. This helps the development team understand what they can and can’t do.

8. Use pictures and examples

Use pictures, diagrams, and examples to explain the requirements. This helps the development team understand the requirements in an easy and visual way.

9. Get feedback

Continuously gather feedback from stakeholders and incorporate it into the requirements. This helps ensure that the requirements are meeting the needs of the stakeholders.

10. Communicate clearly

Make sure the development team understands and agrees with the requirements. This helps prevent confusion and misunderstandings.

In summary, writing system requirements is an important part of product management. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that the development team knows exactly what to do and that the final product meets the needs of the stakeholders.

Maayan Galperin,

Product Manager